AFL 2025: The Essendon Bombers have nose-dived in both AFL and AFLW. Their only way through it is together

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Kelli Underwood Columnist October 24, 2025 — 4.06pm

The Essendon and Hawthorn Football Clubs have despised each other for decades. The infamous rivalry has intensified in recent weeks, after the Hawks’ failed attempt to lure Bombers captain Zach Merrett during the trade period.

Footy fans are already salivating at the prospect of an opening round Essendon v Hawthorn clash next year.

Does that animosity flow over into the women’s game?

The two teams arrived in the AFLW on the same night – playing a history-making game at Marvel Stadium in front of 12,000 fans. It was the most recent AFLW game at Marvel Stadium and it lived up to the anticipation, with star Bombers recruits Bonnie Toogood and Maddy Prespakis leading the new team to a 26-point victory.

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